Information for Students

Setting up Accommodations with the Disability Resource Center (DRC)

We recommend that students reach out to the DRC a month before your first term at PSU. Setting up accommodations early will help ensure you have what you need on day one of your first term. Students who plan to request disability-related accommodations in University Housing should plan to do so by the deadlines provided by UHRL.

Fill out the Online Application

To begin setting up accommodations, fill out the application in our Student Portal. Our Application for Accommodations video will show you how, or you can contact the DRC at 503-725-4150 for help. This application is short and helps get you set up in our accommodations management system before your first appointment. After you complete the application, you’ll get an email at your PSU email address inviting you to set up an appointment with us.

Schedule a Meeting with an Access Counselor & Consultant (AC&C)

Students requesting accommodations meet with an Access Counselor and Consultant (AC&C) to set up accommodations at PSU. You can book an appointment online, or call our front desk for assistance at (503) 725-4150. These appointments take 30 to 50 minutes. If you need more time, you can always book another appointment.

Meet with an Access Counselor and Consultant (AC&C)

In your meeting, you and the AC&C will talk about the disability-related barriers you experience, accommodations that have been helpful in the past, and consider accommodations to support your education and university experience.

Your AC&C will let you know if we need additional information or documentation of disability from a professional.

After your meeting with an Access Counselor and Consultant (AC&C)

Your AC&C will activate your approved accommodations in your online profile and send you an eligibility letter to your PSU email.

Each term, students must log into the DRC student portal and activate approved accommodations for each class.

The DRC system will generate and send Faculty Notification Emails to each of your instructors. A copy of each email will go to you as well. These Notification Emails identify you and list the accommodations you have requested. However, these emails do not tell instructors the name of your disability and you’re not required to disclose that information outside of the DRC.

Important: Accommodations start at the time your DRC Faculty Notification Email is sent and do not apply retroactively. Faculty cannot implement accommodations that they don’t know about. Some accommodations may take time to implement.

Information About Accommodations

DRC Student Portal Tutorials

Frequently Asked Questions

If you need a support animal or other accommodations in PSU Campus Housing, please visit our Accessible Housing page for more information.

When should I contact the DRC?

We recommend that new students contact the DRC at least a month before their first term on campus. September, October, and November are exceptionally busy and students may wait several weeks for an appointment. Accommodations from previous schools will not automatically transfer to PSU, and accommodations are not retroactive.

What should I do if I’m not sure I have a disability?

If you’re not sure you have a disability, we encourage you to meet with us. We will work with you to determine if you are eligible for accommodations, or direct you to resources.

Is my disability information confidential?

Visit our Confidentiality webpage to better understand what is and is not considered confidential information, who has access to DRC records, and our disclosure and mandatory reporting obligations.

Do I need a diagnosis to set up accommodations?

This determination is made on a case-by-case basis, and we recommend you schedule a meeting to discuss what you need. We may be able to provide referrals and resources if you are not eligible for accommodations.

Can I get documentation or records from my previous school?

Call your current or previous school's Disability Resource Office to request that they send documentation directly to you. You can then forward it to our office. Alternatively, you may fill out a Release of Information (ROI) form with the DRC. We will send the completed form to your previous school to request the information on your behalf.

How do my instructors know I have accommodations?

Instructors are not automatically notified of your accommodations. This video tutorial will show you how to log into the DRC Student Portal to enter your Service Request.

Can I have accommodations if I study abroad?

Accommodations may be available for you while you’re studying in another country. However, the accommodations may be different from those you receive while studying at PSU domestically. To discuss anticipated accommodation needs please contact your DRC AC&C, or see more information on the Students with Disabilities Abroad webpage.

Can I get accommodations if English is not my first language?

Being an English language learner is not considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a student is not disabled, we will not be able to provide accommodations. However, students who are unsure whether they have a disability should still reach out to the DRC.

If you have questions about the information on this page, please contact the Disability Resource Center.

Email: drc@pdx.edu
Phone: 503-725-4150

Check our home page for hours and contact information.